001 - The Count of Monte Cristo - Marseilles - The Arrival

Dream AudioBooks

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Chapter one of the Count of MonteCristo by Alexandre Dumain. This is a
LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings arein the public domain. For more information
or to volunteer, please visit LibriVoxdot org. Recording by David Clarke.
The Count of Monte Cristo by AlexandreDumas, Chapter one, Marseilles. The

(00:27):
arrival. On the twenty fourth ofFebruary eighteen fifteen, the lookout at Notre
Dame de la Garde signaled the threemaster the Feroen from Smyrna, Trieste and
Naples. As usual, a pilotput off immediately and rounding the Chateau d'If
got on board the vessel. BetweenCape Morgan and Rion Island immediately, and

(00:50):
according to custom, the ramparts ofFort Saint Jean were covered with spectators.
It is always an event at Marseillesfor a ship to come into port,
especially when this ship, like theFheroon, has been built, rigged and
laden at the old Faux Sea docksand belongs to an owner of the city.
The ship drew on and had safelypassed the strait which some volcanic shock

(01:11):
has made between the Calasarene and Jarroislands had doubled pomegg and approached the harbor
under top sails, jib and spanker, but so slowly and sedately that the
idlers, with that instinct which isthe forerunner of evil, asked one another
what misfortune could have happened on board? However, those experienced in navigations saw

(01:34):
plainly that if any accident had occurred, it was not to the vessel herself,
for she bore down with all theevidence of being skillfully handled. The
anchor a cockbill, the jib boomguise already eased off, and standing by
the side of the pilot, whowas steering the Pharaohan towards the narrow entrance
of the inner port, was ayoung man who, with activity and vigilant

(01:57):
eye, watched every motion of theship and repeated each direction of the pilot.
The vague disquietude which prevailed among thespectators had so much affected one of
the crowd that he did not waitthe arrival of the vessel in harbor,
but, jumping into a small skiff, desired to be pulled alongside the Pharaoh,

(02:17):
which he reached as she rounded intoLarrazere of Basin. When the young
man on board saw this person approach, he left his station by the pilot,
and hat in hand leaned over theship's bulwarks. He was a fine,
tall, slim young fellow of eighteenor twenty, with black eyes and

(02:37):
hair as dark as a raven's wing, and his whole appearance bespoke that calmness
and resolution peculiar to men accustomed fromtheir cradle to contend with danger. Ah
is it you, Dante? Criedthe man in the skiff. What's the
matter and why have you such anair of sadness aboard? A great miss

(03:00):
fortune, Missie Morrel, replied theyoung man, A great misfortune for me,
especially off Chivita Vecchia. We lostour brave Captain Leclaire, and the
cargo inquired the owner eagerly. Isall safe, Missie Morrel? And I
think you will be satisfied on thathead. But poor Captain Leclaire, what

(03:23):
happened to him? Asked the owner, with an air of considerable resignation.
What happened to the worthy captain?He died fell into the sea, No,
sir, he died of brain feverin dreadful agony. Then turning to
the crew. He said, rahandeto take in sail. All hands obeyed,

(03:45):
and at once the eight or tenseamen who composed the crew sprang to
their respective stations at the spanker,brailles and outthaul, topsail sheets and halliards,
the jib down haul and topsail cluelines and bunt lines. The young
sailor gave a look to see thathis orders were promptly and accurately obeyed,
and then turned again to the owner. And how did this misfortune occur?

(04:10):
Inquired the latter, resuming the interruptedconversation, alas sir, in the most
unexpected manner. After a long talkwith the other master, a Captain Leclaire
left nipples greatly disturbed in mind.In twenty four hours he was attacked by
a fever and died. Three daysafterwards. We performed the usual burial service,

(04:33):
and he is at his rest,sewn up in his hammock, with
a thirty six pound shot at hishead and his heels of Elgiglio Island.
We bring to his widow his swordand crossover honor. It was worth while,
truly, added the young man,with a melancholy smile, to make
war against the English for ten yearsand to die in his bed at last,

(04:56):
like everybody else. Why you see, Edmund, replied the owner,
who appeared more comforted at every moment. We are all mortal, and the
old must make way for the young. If not, why there would be
no promotion. And since you assureme that the cargo is all safe,
ansand miss Morrel, take my wordfor it, and I advise you not

(05:20):
to take the twenty five thousand francsfor the profits of the voyage. Then,
as they were just passing the roundtower, the young man shouted stand
by there to lower the topsails andjib brail up the spanker. The order
was executed as promptly as it wouldhave been on a man of war.

(05:41):
Let go and clew up. Atthis last command, all the sails were
lowered and the vessel moved almost imperceptiblyonwards. Now, if you will come
on board, Monsieur Morrel, saidDantes, observing the owner's impatience. Here
is your super cargo, Monsieur d'anglarscoming out of his cabin, who will
fairness you with every particular As forme, I must look after the anchoring

(06:06):
and dress a ship in mourning.The owner did not wait for a second
imitation. He seized a rope whichDantes flung to him, and, with
an activity that would have done creditto a sailor, climbed up the side
of the ship. While the youngman, going to his task, left
the conversation to Danglars, who nowcame towards the owner. He was a

(06:29):
man of twenty five or twenty sixyears of age, of unprepossessing countenance,
obsequious to his superiors, insolent tohis subordinates, and this, in addition
to his position as responsible agent onboard, which is always obnoxious to the
sailors, made him as much dislikedby the crew as Edmond Dantes was beloved

(06:50):
by them. Well, Monsieur Morrel, said Danglars, you have heard of
the misfortune that has befallen us.Yes, yes, poor Captain le Claire,
he was a brave and honest man, and a first rate seaman,

(07:10):
one who had seen long and honorableservice, as became a man charged with
the interests of a house so importantas that of Morrel. AND's son,
replied Danglars, But replied the owner, glancing after Dante, who was watching
the anchoring of his vessel. Itseems to me that a sailor needs not
be so old, as you,say Danglars, to understand his business.

(07:34):
For our friend Edmond seems to understandit thoroughly and not to require instruction from
any one, Yes, said Danglars, darting at Edmond a look gleaming with
hate. Yes, he is young, and youth is invariably self confident.

(07:56):
Scarcely was the captain's breath out ofhis body when he assumed the command without
consulting anyone, and he caused usto lose a day and a half at
the island of Elba, instead ofmaking for Marseilles. Direct as to taking
command of the vessel, replied Morrel, that was his duty as captain's mate.

(08:20):
As to losing a day and ahalf of the island of Elba,
he was wrong. Unless the vesselneeded repairs. The vessel was in as
good condition as I am, andas I hope you are, Monsieur Morrel.
And this day and a half waslost from pure whim, for the
pleasure of going ashore, and nothingelse. Dante, said the ship owner,

(08:45):
turning towards the young man. Comethis way, in a moment,
sir, answered Dante, and I'mwith you. Then, calling to the
crew, he said, let go. The anchor was instantly dropped and the
chain ran rattling through the porthole.Dantes continued at his post in spite of
the presence of the pilot until thismaneuver was completed. And then he added

(09:11):
half master colors and square the yardsyou see, said Danglars. He fancies
himself captain already upon my word,and so in fact he is, said
the owner, except your signature andyour partners mischemoril and away? Should he

(09:33):
not add this? Asked the owner. He is young, it is true,
but he seems to me a thoroughseaman and a full experience. A
cloud passed over Danglars. Brow yourpardon, mischemrl, said Dantes, approaching
the vessel now rides at anchor.And I am at your service, you

(09:54):
hailed me. I think, Danglarsretreated a step or two. I wish
to inquire why you stopped at theisland of Elbas. I do not know,
sir. It was to fulfill thelast instructions of Captain le Claire,
who, when dying, gave mea packet for martial Betand then did you

(10:15):
see him, Edmond, who themarshal? Yes, Morrel looked around him,
and then, drawing Dantes on oneside, he said, suddenly,
and how is the emperor? Verywell, as far as I could judge
from the sight of him, yousaw the Emperor. Then he entered the

(10:35):
Marshal's apartment while I was there,and you spoke to him. Why it
was he who spoke to me,Sir, said Dantes with a smile.
And what did he say to you? Asked me questions about the vessel,
the time she left Marseilles, thecourse she had taken, and what was
her cargo. I believe if shehad not been laden, and I had

(10:58):
been her master, he would havebrought her. But I told him I
was only mate, and that shebelonged to the firm of Morrel and son.
Ah, yes, he said,I know them. The Morrels have
been shipowners from father to son.And there was a Morrel who served in
the same regiment with me when Iwas in garrison at Valence Pardieu. And

(11:22):
that is true, cried the owner, greatly delighted, and that was Polcar
Morrel, my uncle, who wasafterwards a Captain Dante, you must tell
my uncle that the Emperor remembered him, and you will see it will bring
tears into the old soldier's eyes.Come, Come, continued he patting Edmond's

(11:43):
shoulder. Kindly, you did veryright, Dante, to follow Captain le
Claire's instructions and touch at Elba.Although if it were known that you had
conveyed a packet to the marshal andhad conversed with the Emperor, it might
bring you into trouble. How couldthat bring me into trouble, sir,

(12:03):
asked Dantes, for I did noteven know of what I was the bearer,
and the Emperor merely made such inquiriesas he were of the first comer.
But pardon me. Here are thehealth officers and the customs inspectors coming
alongside. And the young man wentto the gangway. As he departed,

(12:24):
Danglars approached and said, well,it appears that he has given you satisfactory
reasons for his landing at Porto Ferrajo. Yes, most satisfactory, my dear
Danglars. Well, so much thebetter, said the Supercago, for it

(12:45):
is not pleasant to think that acomrade has not done his duty. Don't
they has done, is, repliedthe owner, and that is not saying
much. It was Captain le Clairewho gave orders for this delay. Talking
of Captain Leclaire, has not Dantesgiven you a letter from him to me?

(13:07):
No? Was there one. Ibelieve that besides the packet, Captain
Leclaire confided a letter to his careof what packet are you speaking, Danglars?
Why that which Dantes left at PortoFerraio. How do you know he

(13:28):
had a packet to live at PortoFerraio. Danglars turned very red. I
was passing close to the door ofthe captain's cabin, which was half open,
and I saw him give the packeta letter to Dantes. He did
not speak to me of it,replied the chipone. But if there be

(13:52):
any letter, you will give itto me. Danglars reflected for a moment.
Then, miss Morrel, I begof you, said he not to
say a word to Dante on thesubject. I may have been mistaken.
At this moment, the young manreturned Danglars Withdrew. Well, my dear

(14:16):
Dante, are you now free,inquired the owner. Yes, sir,
you have not been long detained.No, I gave the custom house officers
a copy of our bill of lady, and as to the other papers,
they sent a man off with thepilot, to whom I gave them.

(14:37):
Then you have nothing more to dohere. No, everything is all right
now, then you can come anddine with me. I really must ask
you to excuse me, Monsieur Morrel. My first visit is due to my
father, though I am not theless grateful for the honor. You have
done me. Right, Dante,quite right. I always knew you were

(15:00):
a good son, and inquired Dantewith some hesitation. Do you know how
my father is well? I believemy dear Edmond, although I have not
seen him lately. Yes, helikes to keep himself shut up in his
little room. That proves at leastthat he was wanted for nothing during your

(15:22):
absence, Dantes smiled. My fatheris proud, sir, and if he
had not a meal left, Idoubt if he would have asked anything from
anyone except from heaven. Well,then after this first visit has been made,
we shall count on you. Imust again excuse myself, Missy Morrel,

(15:45):
for after this first visit has beenpaid, I have another, which
I am most anxious to pay.True, Dante, I forgot there was
at the Catalans someone who expects youknow less impatiently than your father, the
lovely Mercedes Dantes blushed. Aha,said the ship owner. I am not

(16:08):
in the least surprised, for shehas been to me three times inquiring if
there were any news of the Pharaohenbest, Edmond, you have a very
handsome mistress. She is not mymistress, replied the young sailor gravely.
She is my betrothed. Sometimes oneand the same thing, said Morrel,

(16:30):
with a smile. Not with us, sir, replied Dantes. Well,
well, my dear Edmond, continuedthe owner, don't let me detain you.
You have managed my affairs so wellthat I ought to allow you all
the time you require for your own. Do you want any money, No,

(16:52):
sir, I have all my payto take nearly three months wages.
You are a careful fellow, Edmondsay, I have a poor father.
Sir, yes, yes, Iknow how good a son you are,
so now aeson away to see yourfather. I have a son too,
and I shall be very wroth withthose who detained them from me. After

(17:14):
three months voyage. Then I haveyour leave, sir. Yes, if
you have nothing more to say tome, nothing Captain Leclair did not before
he died give you a letter fromme. He was unable to write,
sir. But that that reminds methat I must ask you leave of absence

(17:36):
for some days to get married.Yes, first, and then go to
Paris. Very good, Have whattime you required, Dante. It will
take quite six weeks to unload thecargo, and we cannot get you ready
for sea until three months after that. Only be back in three months for

(17:57):
the fair one, added the owner. The young sailor on the back cannot
sail without her captain. Without hercaptain, cried Dantes, his eyes sparkling
with animation. Pray mind what yousay, for you are touching on the
most secret wishes of my art.Is it really your intention to make me

(18:19):
captain of the pharaoh? If Iwere sole owner, we'll shake hands on
it now, my dear Dantes,and call it settled. But I have
a partner, and you know theItalian proverb quixa compagno ha padrone he who
has a partner as a master.But the thing is at least half done,

(18:41):
as you have one out of twovotes. Rely on me to procure
the other. I will do mybest, Ah, Monsieur Morrel, exclaimed
the young seaman, with tears inhis eyes and grasping the owner's hand.
Monsieur Morrel, I thank you inthe name of my father and of Mercedes.

(19:02):
That's all right, Edmond. There'sa providence that watches over the deserving.
Go to your father, go andsee Mercedes, and afterwards come to
me. Shall I row you ashore? No, thank you. I shall
remain and look over the accounts withdanglars. Have you been satisfied within this

(19:22):
voyage? That is, according tothe sense you attached to the question,
sir, do you mean is hea good comrade? No, for I
think he never liked me since theday when I was silly enough. After
a little quarrel, we had topropose to him to stop for ten minutes

(19:44):
at the island of Monte Cristo tosettle the dispute, a proposition which I
was wrong to suggest, and hequite right to refuse. If you mean
as responsible agent when you ask methe question, I believe there is nothing
to say against him, and thatyou will be content with the way in
which he has performed his duty.But tell me, Dante, if you

(20:11):
had command of the Pharao one,should you be glad to see danglars remain
captain ormaide, missieur meyle. Ishall always have the greatest respect for those
who possess the honest confidence. That'sright, that's right, Dante. I
see you are a thoroughly good fellow, and will detain you no longer go

(20:33):
for I see how am patient youare. Then I have leave. Go.
I tell you, may I havethe use of your skiff? Certainly?
Then for the present mission, Merles, farewell and a thousand thanks.
I hope soon to see you again, my dear Edmond, Good luck to
you. The young sailor jumped intothe skiff and sat down in the stern

(20:59):
sheets, with the order that hebe put ashore at La Canabiere. The
two oarsmen bent to their work,and the little boat glided away as rapidly
as possible, in the midst ofthe thousand vessels which choke up the narrow
way which leads between the two rowsof ships from the mouth of the harbor
to the Que d'urgleans. The shipowner, smiling followed him with his eyes until

(21:23):
he saw him spring out on thequay and disappear in the midst of the
throng, which, from five o'clockin the morning until nine o'clock at night
swarms in the famous street of LaCannabiere, a street of which the modern
Foesaians are so proud that they say, with all the gravity in the world,
and with that accent which gives somuch character to what is said,

(21:48):
if Barris at La Cannebiere, Barrswould be at Second Marseilles. On turning
round, the owner Saur d'anglars behindhim, apparently awaiting orders, but in
reality also watching the young sailor.But there was a great difference in the
expression of the two men, whothus followed the movements of Edmond Dantes.

(22:14):
End of Chapter one